Southwest Louisiana Credit Union (SWLACU) is expanding into Evangeline Parish, making membership available to anyone who lives, works, or worships in the parish.
“This expansion marks an exciting step forward in our mission of ‘Financial Empowerment for All’ — allowing more people and families access to affordable financial services, personalized support, and community-focused programs,” said Chad Miller, President and CEO.
SWLACU’s presence in Evangeline Parish began with its merger with Cabot Employees Credit Union in September 2025. The merger strengthened SWLACU’s footprint in the region and reinforced its commitment to serving the financial needs of Evangeline Parish residents. SWLACU has already built strong partnerships within the parish through its Select Employer Groups (SEGs). These include the Evangeline Parish School Board, the City of Ville Platte, and Save the Children.
“Expanding into Evangeline Parish allows us to deepen relationships we’ve already started building,” Miller said. “We are committed to providing accessible financial tools, education, and opportunities that help individuals and families thrive in Evangeline.”
As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), SWLACU serves underserved communities by offering products and programs that create real financial impact. Members can take advantage of competitive loan rates, low-fee accounts, financial counseling, and innovative grant programs.
With this expansion, SWLACU looks forward to continuing its work alongside local partners to strengthen the financial well-being of Evangeline Parish and plans to open a physical branch location in the city of Ville Platte within the year.
About Southwest Louisiana Credit Union
Southwest Louisiana Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution based in Lake Charles. As the only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Southwest Louisiana, it provides needs-based products and services to low-income and underserved areas of its community. Serving more than 19,000 members. SWLACU has seven branch locations.
For more information on joining the credit union or SWLACU’s expansion into the area, people can contact Brand Ambassador Lainey Ardoin at lardoin@swlacu.com or 337-477-9190, ext. 2333.